Cruise Critic Top Pick!

The Cruise Critic Editors' Picks Awards are chosen by the publication’s international team of editors, based on the lines and ships they feel best represent excellence in each category. Emerald Waterways has received an award from Cruise Critic every year since the line launched—in 2014, Emerald won the “Best New River Ships” designation for their innovative Emerald Star and Emerald Sky Star-Ships, in 2015 was awarded Best River Line for Value, and thrilled to receive this same award again in 2016.

Emerald’s win in this category is reflective of the generous list of inclusions received by guests, such as complimentary shore excursions in every port, free transfers, prepaid gratuities and complimentary beverages (including wine and beer at lunch and dinner) offered at a competitive price point. Other innovations Emerald Waterways was lauded for include an indoor pool, which transforms into a movie theater at night, and floor-to-ceiling windows in most cabins that drop down halfway with the push of a button to create an interior balcony.

“We take great pride in offering travelers a river cruise experience that is both upscale and economical,” said Glen Moroney, founder and managing director of the Scenic Group, the parent company for Emerald Waterways. “We’re so pleased that our efforts to raise the standards on European river ships has been recognized by an important industry leader like Cruise Critic.”

Emerald Waterways will be adding three new ships to their fleet in 2017, bringing the total to seven. New itineraries include a sailing along the incredible Douro river in Portugal aboard the new purpose-built Emerald Radiance, carrying only 112 guests. The Emerald Destiny, set to launch in April, 2017, will sail the Rhine, Main and Danube with its four sister ships, Emerald Star, Sun, Sky and Dawn. Also joining the fleet in Spring 2017 will be the purpose-built Emerald Liberté. The Emerald Liberté will host just 138 guests, and its April launch will mark the first time Emerald Waterways will sail its own ship on the Saône & Rhône rivers.

Travellers who are interested in experiencing Emerald Waterways’ affordable luxury can now get airfare as low as $495 on a 2017 European river cruise of 15 days or longer. Guests booking sailings between 8-14 days will receive airfare for just $795 from select cities. All guests booking this special air offer will pay a reduced deposit of $250 (from $500). In addition, solo travelers will get half off single supplements when booking a Panorama Balcony Suite on the Vista Deck on departures sailing March through July. These offers are good on bookings made by October 31.

As part of the Scenic Group, Emerald Waterways is backed by the award-winning expertise of the world’s leading luxury river cruise operator. Additional information can be found by contacting your local travel agent; on Emerald Waterways’ website www.emeraldwaterways.ca consumer/travel agent reservations line (855-444-0161). Brochure orders may be placed on the website, or a digital downloadable version is available.